While Iowa is full of well-known and well-loved destinations, there are still some hidden treasures that only people who have been around awhile are privy to. If you’re an Iowa local, then you know that there are some places that are only talked about in select circles, and you may have a certain pride in being able to find those amazing destinations that are a little bit more off the beaten path than the rest.

Even if you’re a born and bred Iowan, you may not know that there is actually a real island hiding right here in the state. The tiny island town of Sabula, Iowa, is situated right on the Mississippi River and is home to roughly 600 people.

Flickr/CJ Oliver
Sabula is a one mile long and quarter mile wide island that’s connected to Illinois and Iowa by two different causeways. Because of its close proximity to Chicago, people from Illinois have made this tiny island a popular vacation destination.
Flickr/Tony Webster
The Savanna–Sabula Bridge is a beautiful blue truss bridge that carries U.S. Route 52 over the Mississippi River and connects Savanna, IL with Sabula.
Flickr/Doc Searls
Sabula wasn't always an island. It was created by flooding caused by the construction of Lock and Dam #13 in 1930 between Clinton, Iowa and Fulton, Illinois. This construction left the lowlands west of the town permanently flooded. Thus, the island was born.
Facebook/The Castle Bed & Breakfast Owned By Sharon Mangler
Sabula is known for its beautiful scenery, amazing wildlife spotting and numerous opportunities to walk right along the waters of the Mississippi River.

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Flickr/CJ Oliver
There are plenty of opportunities to spot Bald Eagles and Pelicans.
Flickr/Michael Massa
The island also houses a beautiful park and campground with great boating, fishing and other outdoor recreational activities.
Facebook/The Castle Bed & Breakfast Owned By Sharon Mangler
If you want to make a weekend visit, you can stay at a one-of-a-kind and historic bed and breakfast that actually looks like a castle. The Castle Bed and Breakfast is 105 years old and is located right along the shore of the Mississippi River.
Yelp/Nathan A.
Yelp/Diedre K.
If you love pizza, Bombfire Pizza is a delicious and one-of-a-kind restaurant that you really have to visit. This funky and eclectic spot makes mouth-watering wood-fired pizza with fresh and surprising toppings.

Have you been to Iowa’s only island? What did you think? Looking for more of Iowa’s hidden treasures? Check out 15 Historical Landmarks You Absolutely Must Visit In Iowa.

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